Hazing Policy

Southeastern Louisiana University does not tolerate the physical, mental or psychological
abuse of any individual or individuals. Any group suspected of participating in such
hazing abuse will be fully investigated and, if found guilty, action will be taken
against the organization. Individuals within a group found guilty of hazing may face
suspension or expulsion from the University. The University will not tolerate retaliation
by any individual (whether or not that person was directly involved in the original
incident) against any faculty, staff or student who reports, participates in an investigation
of, or is a complainant in a disciplinary proceeding involving the allegation of hazing.
Claims of retaliation will be investigated as a breach of the University's hazing
policy and may result in University sanctions. The University adheres to the University
of Louisiana System's policy on hazing, Section XXIV, and the Fraternity Executive
Association's statement on hazing (also referred to herein as the Association and/or
FEA definition of and statement on hazing).

Louisiana Law on Hazing

R.S. 1801 Hazing Prohibited Hazing in any form, or the use of any method of initiation
into fraternal organizations in any educational institution supported wholly or in
part by public funds, which is likely to cause bodily danger or physical punishment
to any student or other person attending any such institution is prohibited.

Fraternity Executive Association (FEA): Statement on Hazing

211 The Association defines hazing as any action taken or situation created, intentionally,
whether on or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment,
harassment or ridicule. Such activities and situations include paddling in any form;
creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks, quests, treasure
hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside
the confines of the house; wearing, publicly, apparel which is conspicuous and not
normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading
or humiliating games and activities; late work sessions which interfere with scholastic
activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law,
ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of the educational institution.

Hazing Activities

Hazing actions and situations include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Forcing
or requiring the consuming of food or any other substance 2. Calisthenics (push-ups,
sit-ups, jogging, runs, etc.) 3. "Treeings" (tying someone up and/or throwing food
or other substances on them) 4. Paddle swats 5. Line ups 6. Theft of property 7. Road
trips (dropping someone off to find their own way back) 8. Scavenger hunts 9. Curtailing
sleep to less than six (6) continuous, uninterrupted hours per night 10. Conducting
activities which do not allow adequate time for study 11. The use of obscenities and
vulgarities in dress, language or action 12. Nudity at any time 13. Running personal
errands of the members (driving them to class, cleaning their individual rooms, serving
meals) 14. Forcing or requiring the violation of University, Federal, State or local
law 15. Dressing alike, specific costumes or clothing 16. "Lock n Key" - restricting
activities unless permission is given Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group, Risk
Management Policy (FIPG: Focus on Hazing).

Penalties:

The Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, and Pan-Hellenic Councils are the
governing bodies of the National Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and the National
Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) chapters on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University.
Having adopted the Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group Risk Management Policy/Program
(FIPG), each chapter and all levels of fraternity membership must know that hazing
carries a number of risks, including the following: 1. A civil lawsuit 2. Criminal
prosecution for an illegal act 3. Discipline by the fraternity 4. Discipline by the
college or university 5. Possible loss of insurance coverage.

Hazing Explained

What organizations may consider to be a perfectly harmless way of making students
learn their lesson in education, may, in the view of others, be an act of violence
that can be criminal. Hazing is a felony in more than 35 states. In addition, this
administration does not condone or accept hazing as a normal part of fraternity education.
The danger in hazing is that it gets out of hand. What begins as an innocent prank
can lead to disaster. There is the apocryphal story of the pledge who was tied to
the railroad track, after the chapter carefully checked the timetable for that particular
route -- only to discover to their horror that trains do run late. The role of the
undergraduate chapter is to see that the education process is both enjoyable and rewarding,
not only for the new members, but also for the active members. This calls for a precise
agenda for membership education, including a list of activities and dates and times.
New and old members can participate in any activity, and by being knowledgeable, get
more out of activities and the educational experience.

Where Hazing Begins

Answer these questions about each activity in the pledge/new member education program.
If there is one question that has a negative answer, then this activity must be eliminated.
Is the activity an educational experience? Does this activity promote and conform
to the ideals and values of the fraternity? Will this activity increase the new members'
respect for the fraternity and the members of the chapter? Is it an activity that
pledges and initiated members participate in together? Would you be willing to allow
parents to witness this activity? A judge? The University president? Does the activity
have value in and of itself? Does the activity meet both the spirit and letter of
the standards prohibiting hazing?

Dissemination of Hazing Policy

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner, which supports the educational
mission and function of the University, as well as to comply with all federal, state,
and local laws. Students have the responsibility of familiarizing themselves with
the conduct standards and regulations, which are distributed annually and will be
held responsible for compliance with them. Southeastern's policy on hazing is contained
in the Code of Student Conduct Standards and Regulations. Each and every fraternal
group within 10 business days from the start of each semester shall: 1) distribute
a copy of the Southeastern Louisiana University Policy on Hazing to each of its members,
and 2) have the Chapter President and the Pledge Educator sign and return to the Director
of Student Organizations and Greek Affairs the University-issued statement which acknowledges
compliance to the policy on Hazing and Hazing Awareness Education (see Attachment
I).